Richard “Rick” Bartlett was a man of immeasurable character. Deeply loved by his family and friends and universally respected by colleagues, clients and competitors, he was known as a world class businessman, leader and extraordinary human being. On December 18, 2012, Rick was diagnosed with pulmonary venoocclusive disease (PVOD), a rare form of pulmonary hypertension, and on October 9, 2013 he was placed on a list for a possible lung transplant. Rick’s illness, PVOD, is an extremely rare disease that causes pulmonary hypertension, which is characterized by high blood pressure in the lung vessels. Other forms of pulmonary hypertension have medical treatment options, but because PVOD primarily affects the veins exiting the lungs, as opposed to the arteries leading to the lungs, these medications are ineffective and can be detrimental. Therefore, there are no medical treatments for PVOD, and lung transplantation is the only cure. Sadly, many patients who are transplant-eligible will die while waiting for lung transplantation due to the shortage of lung donors. On January 24, 2014, Rick lost his battle with lung disease. Despite Rick’s untimely death from PVOD, his spirit continues to motivate us to change the course of end-stage pulmonary hypertension for others.

Despite Rick’s untimely death from PVOD, his spirit continues to motivate us to change the course of end-stage lung disease for others. The Rick Bartlett Memorial Foundation has provided generous support to cutting edge medicine and research.